The day following the parish retreat to Burford Benedictine Priory, 11th July, is the day of commemoration for Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino and Father of Western Monasticism.
Benedict was an abbot and author of the famous Rule that bears his name. Because of his Rule, Benedict is also the Patriarch of Western Monasticism, and Patron Saint of Europe.
Surprisingly little is known about his life: born at Nursia, Benedict studied at Rome, which he then left before completing his studies to become a hermit at Subiaco. After a time disciples joined him, whom he organised into twelve deaneries of ten. After an attempt on his life, Benedict moved on to Monte Cassino, near Naples, where he wrote the final version of his Rule.
Benedict’s Rule is justly famous and respected: not only did it incorporate much traditional monastic teaching from revered monks like Basil, but Benedict went on to modify this in a way characterised by prudence and moderation within a framework of authority, obedience, stability and community life.
Benedict’s great achievement was to produce a monastic way of life which was complete, orderly, and workable. The monks’ primary occupation was liturgical prayer, complemented by sacred reading and manual work of various kinds.
Benedict’s own personality shines through this Rule: wise, discreet, flexible, learned in the law of God, but also a spiritual father to his community.
Benedict’s Rule came to be recognised as the fundamental monastic code of western Europe in the early Middle Ages. Because of his Rule, monasteries became centres of learning, agriculture, hospitality, and medicine. Thus Benedict came to influence the lives of millions of people.
Benedict is also commemorated on 21st March, the anniversary of his death in Monte Cassino.
Benedict (c.480 c.550)